The autumn foliage in central Hokkaido, including Sapporo and Otaru, is easily accessible and can be enjoyed as part of a day trip or as part of a longer trip! Here are 10 recommended spots to see the autumn foliage in the central Hokkaido area, all of which are easily accessible from the city center and perfect for a drive or a weekend getaway.

Best time to see autumn leaves in central Hokkaido: Around October 12th to late October (as of September 5th)

Located about an hour's drive from Sapporo Station, this is an inner sanctum. The hot spring town is surrounded by lush forests and valleys, dotted with beautiful bridges, and is visited by many tourists during the autumn foliage season. We also recommend taking a stroll from the bright red Futami Tsuribashi suspension bridge, a symbol of Jozankei Onsen town, to view the autumn leaves.

A row of ginkgo trees lines the campus of Hokkaido University. 50 meters north from Ono Pond, you will find a row of 70 ginkgo trees planted along Kita 13-jo Street, stretching for about 380 meters facing east. The bright green tunnel in summer transforms into a warm golden color in autumn, delighting the eyes of visitors.

Hoheikyo is one of Sapporo's leading leisure spots, overflowing with magnificent natural scenery, with lakes and greenery interwoven around the Hoheikyo Dam, which controls flooding on the Toyohira River. It is particularly beautiful during the autumn foliage season, and has been selected by the Forestry Agency as one of the "Top 100 Water Source Forests" and "Top 100 Dam Lakes." Viewing the autumn leaves along with the spectacular tourist discharge of the dam is also recommended.

This is the remains of an explosion crater created by the eruption of Mt. Hiyoriyama. A variety of hot springs gush out from here at a rate of 10,000 tons per day, supplying hot water to the hotels and inns in the hot spring town. The bubbling and boiling water from the numerous springs and fumaroles along the valley is the reason for the name "Hell, where demons live." In autumn, Jigokudani, ablaze with autumn leaves, is a must-see.

This lake is the center of Shikotsu-Toya National Park and is the third largest caldera lake in Japan. Surrounded by a variety of trees, you can enjoy different views depending on your viewing position and the seasons. The four islands in the center of the lake are collectively called Nakajima, and the view of the Nakajima and the blue lake through the autumn leaves is spectacular.

Eniwa Valley is located on the Rarumanai River, a tributary of the Izari River. The area is home to a variety of facilities, including waterfalls and parks. There are three unique waterfalls: Shiraougi Falls, Rarumanai Falls, and Sandan Falls. Visitors can also enjoy the expansive lawns of Lake Eniwa Freedom Square and Sakura Park, where the cherry blossoms are beautiful in spring and the autumn leaves in autumn.

Located on a hill in the northern part of Otaru City, this vast park covers an area of 19.7 hectares. There are approximately 230 chestnut trees within the park, which is said to be the northernmost natural forest. In spring, it is a popular spot for viewing cherry blossoms and azaleas, and in autumn, it is also a popular place for strolls and hiking, where you can enjoy the autumn leaves and pick chestnuts.

Located on a plateau over 750m above sea level, it is a popular spot for hikers and others, with many lakes and marshes, including Shinsen Numa, known as the most beautiful and mysterious marsh in the Niseko mountain range. Shinsen Numa is a natural marsh that can be enjoyed in all four seasons, and is crowded with many visitors during the autumn foliage season.

This active volcano straddles the towns of Kutchan and Rankoshi, and is part of the Niseko mountain range, which includes Niseko Annupuri. In autumn, the contrast of red, yellow, and green leaves creates a stunning autumn landscape. Along with the autumn leaves of Niseko Annupuri, this is a popular spot for scenic views.

The Horoman River originates in the Hidaka Mountains and flows into the Pacific Ocean. The middle and lower reaches of the river are a natural valley stretching about 8km along the east side of the Apoi Mountains, known as the Horoman Gorge. The valley is made of peridotite, which is perhaps why the river is a uniformly blue color, creating a beautiful landscape together with the mixed coniferous and broadleaf forest on the mountainside. In particular, the autumn foliage is beautiful, making it a well-known spot known only to those in the know.

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